Feel guilty about leaving your dog alone for 8 hours a day while you're at work? Invest in a Kong toy. These flexible, durable toys made out of natural rubber are designed to be chomped, chewed, drooled on, and salivated over. Simply stick a few semi-moist treats, dog biscuits, dog toothpaste, peanut butter, or anything tasty in the middle of the toy, and it gives your dog a few minutes to hours of mental stimulation while you're gone.
I've been lucky - JP, my 11 year old pit bull - has been able to go to work with me for the past 10 years of his life. Unfortunately, he can't come to work with me anymore, much to the distress of his mother. Since then, I've really appreciated Kong (and their other mental stimulation toys and treats) as a veterinarian. Just like how zoo animals need mental stimulation, so does your four-legged friend when he's home alone. Thankfully, Kong actually make these for large elephants and zoo creatures too! This company and toy definitely gets 2 thumbs up from this pet owner and vet.
